OKC PetSmart Admits Wrongdoing In Apparent Dog Abuse

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Markus Smith dropped off his Labrador German Sheppard mix McGee to PetSmart at 63rd and May, expecting it to come back with a bath and fresh hair cut. Instead Smith got a distressed dog with bloodshot eyes and no explanation.

8/22/2011 Related Story: OKC Family Upset After Dog's Grooming At PetsMart

"If it was unintentional then someone should've been able to tell me that day," Smith said.

More than a week later PetSmart admits wrongdoing.

"We want to express how very sorry we were that McGee was injured," said Michelle Freeman, PetSmart spokesperson.

However, PetSmart wouldn't say if McGee's injuries were a result of neglect or if policies were followed.

"I think in general they were, but what we found is there were probably opportunities to do things better. We will retrain and clarify to help our associates understand what are the signs of distress," Freeman said.

McGee's owner is glad the store is finally taking accountability, but doesn't think they were smart when it came to grooming his beloved pooch. He adds that he will never visit the 63rd and May location again.

As a good gesture, Smith wants PetSmart to donate to the Yukon no-kill shelter where he purchased McGee. Corporate is considering the request. In the meantime, they have paid all of the dog's vet bills.

8/23/2011 Related Story: Apparent PetSmart Dog Abuse Not Isolated Incident.